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  While criticizing presidential candidate Barack Obama before a Fox News interview, Rev. Jesse Jackson used the N-word in reference to African-Americans. We wanted to know if you think it is offensive for an African-American to use that word while speaking to another African-American about African-Americans. Here's what you told us:

As a white man, I just don't feel comfortable using any variation of the word. That said I have plenty of black friends, especially younger ones, who feel completely comfortable using the word (preferring the version ending with the letter "a" because that makes it somehow less profane). The bigger issue with Jesse Jackson is that he made such a high profile issue about laying to rest use of the word by ALL people, yet he is still apparently quite active in his use of the word. It's difficult to be an upstanding, ethical role model when you're such a profound hypocrite... - Randall

If it's offensive it's offensive no matter who uses it. You can't have it both ways. – Vic T.

Of course it is but because a white man didn't say it no one is going to make a big deal of it. Rev. Jackson is an idiot who only wants attention this just shows you that he doesn't care. If I don't hear about this over and over on tv shame on you too!!!! – Del Real

Yes it is offensive. My father was forced into early retirement because of an N-word complaint in 1995 and lost a retirement package from the telephone company. If Jesse Jackson is still using that word, WHAT HAS HE BEEN WORKING FOR? Jesse should be forced into retirement or what does he stand for? – Rodney

It is offensive when someone like Jesse Jackson who SUPPOSEDTLY has the best interest of the African-American community to use the N word to describe black people. Why is it an issue when Barack Obama is speaking the truth about the black community? The minority (Blacks and Hispanics)communities need to learn to become part of the solution and not a MAJOR part of the problem and stop pointing fingers at who to blame. They need to teach their kids respect, responsibity and reasoning. Parents need to learn how to be PARENTS. Fathers in these communities need to step it up and teach their boys how to approach a problem with a level head and not a gun! Parents tell your kids that education is the key and not public aid. Teach them how to speak proper English and drop the "aints", "finnas", "ese" and "homeys". Teach them not to do drugs or join gangs and stop hanging out on corners of streets late at night. Teach them about sex education so no un-wanted pregnancies ruin their lives. These are some steps that need to be taken, if not, then the MINORITY communities will be stuck in this vicious cycle and you will have no one to blame but yourselves. If this continues then all Americans will suffer. STOP THE VIOLENCE AND IGNORANCE!!!! – Antonio

ANYONE using the "N word" to describe another person is offensive. It is doubly offensive from Jessie Jackson, who of all people should know better. – "Elmer Fudd"

Yes it is. Shouldn't be a double standard here, but seems there is! If whites use it, it's racist. Black on black not so. Just shows what a two faced hypocrite Jackson really is. – rod

It is reprehensible that a prominent public figure in the black community like Jesse Jackson resorts to such word usage even in a private context. It only shows his personal lack of class, manners and poor judgement, in my opinion. However, to criminalize or make a taboo out of any word in the English language is simply preposterous and has indicia of dictatorial censorship. First and foremost, the First Amendement of the US Consitution offers the protection to such words as long as it does not call for immediate violence. It is a slippery slope to castigate a word usage. Next step, and you will witness book burning with the n-word printed in them, like Hemingway. History tends to repeat itself and outright bans on freedom of speech create just the opposite effects. - Alexander Ivakhnenko

There is nobody more racist than Jesse Jackson. – Pat
Yes I do he's a racist and an igorant man – rick

I am a 54 year old black female from the south who knows all to well about the n-word and if we don't start respecting ourselves then how do we expect anyone else too. The N-word was created by slavery and meant to demean and demolish us as a human race. Well, that is still being accomplished "cus" we're still using it to define who we are. Think about it people. Time to get smarter. "Ya think" --Spoochie

If the speaker is Rev. Jesse Jackson then yes I am offended. That is because his hypocrisy is very offensive. He has practically lambasted everybody for the use of the N word as his race card . Hey But you know what the sad part is he is Jesse Jackson and he will get away with everything even the use of N word. --Johan Lee

Jesse Jackson just needs to quite being infront of a camera!! and YES, im not even black and i find it insane that african-americans call each other the N-word (i would never) but if a white person said that word it would be over. Doesnt make ANY F*ing sence... !!!!!!! --golden

I'm short--So a short guy called me "shorty" but he's short too---so that's ok--but I don't want a tall guy to call me shorty,that offends me---Jackson is what he is-- A liar, who speaks to hear himself talk--And many stupid people listen to him !! --Dan, Joliet

Jackson should be defrocked of the title "Reverend". He is not worthy of this title. --lwljlane

Jesse Jacksons true colors have finally been exposed. He is and always will be an oppertunist and a scumbag. When will the Black community wakeup and be done with this racist. Good thing he left out nappy head. --Bill

If you are going to condemn whites for using the word then you need to condemn blacks also. Anything else smacks of racism at it's lowest level. --E. Martin

Personally I think anyone, no matter what color should not use the N**word. I think this is confusing to our children. As an example, my grandson at the age of 7 almost got suspended from school for this term. He had recently moved to Memphis from a far south Chicago suburb when 2 other children in his class we calling each other the N**word, he just trying to fit in entered the conversation with a "Hey what's up N****?" just as he had heard one use to the other. When called into the office my husband who happened to be down helping them out was told of the pending suspension asked if all the boys would be suspended and was told no, only our grandson, when asked why, he was told by the Assistant Principle no less that our grandson did not earn the "RIGHT" to use that word. I just cannot believe anyone would say such a thing, I know we live in a country of "FREE SPEECH", but we really do not. I think if this word is hurtful to anyone, it should not be used, by anyone of any race. We do not use this word in our house, we have tried to make sure our children and grandchildren know to treat others how they themselves would like to be treated, but in the case above, our grandson did not see either one of the other boys seem to be offended by the other, so he did not understand what he did wrong and it was very hard to explain why it was okay for them to call each other by that word, but not for him to use and I really hated to say to him it was wrong because he is white. This was the first time in his life he experienced that their are different races, up until that time he just thought of people being people and this is how we had hoped to bring him up. --Mary

Tell me Y? Everything someone say now a days is offensive. You can't smoke 15 ft. near anyone, not even in your own home. Now, you can't say anything. People act as if other people in politics don't make off air comments. I am sure you would be suprised to hear how Bush really feels about McCain or vice-versa. Please people lets focus on things that needs to be CHANGED such as food prices and homelessness. --Yisrael

Mr Jackson is slipping,what if a white community leader said the "N" word!I don`t think fox would have sat on it then.Good thing it wasn't Imus!!!!WOW --Nick Leberis

It's pure hypocrisy, but the "N-word", like any other crime committed by a black person against another black person is perfectly acceptable in the black community. --Ron

The use of the word is offensive regardless. Unfortunately, within the younger generation it is used - in urban circles - with "affection". My nigga, my boy, my cuz in some circles mean the same thing. This is NOT a justification for the use. When used in a profane way among blacks, its put often in the same context as saying that "motherf_ _ _ _ _! To hear someone of his "stature' - a stature that is diminshing rapidly, underscores what a lot of the younger generation African Americans feel about Rev. Jackson - Mr. Irrevelant! Or as Janet Jackson (no relationship) used to sing - "What have you done for me Lately"! --Keith C.

Depends on context, of course. --Victory

Stop using it--period--everyone. Enough is enough. Let's move on as a people united against racism in any form if we can. Leave it in the past where it belongs. --Mike Ruzza

Jackson has been keen on extorting millions from companies in race baiting and Black victimology. I am not surprised at his crude language. He is jealous of B. Hussein Obama. --ASC

YES It is ALWAYS offensive anywhere by anybody. --Barbara

Why are we going there? Back to the "If one African American speaking to another African American........" quotes. STOP already. We are all americans and I for one am so sick of hearing the racial division from ALL americans. Time to come together people, we all bleed red. Enough said!! --S

I feel that Jesse Jackson is jealous of Barack Obama, because Obama will become the first African American president and he (Jackson) wanted to be the first. To answer the question about the use of the N-word. The context is the important factor when using this word. It's more difficult for white america to use the word because of the associated historical context of the word. When used by other blacks now it is used as a greeting. So depending on the context and the openess of the individual who hears the word. --Stanley Little

Jackson must be crazy, i mean what self respecting politician goes on fox news in the first place. He needs to shut his mouth and be a ghost for the remainder of, at least the next 4 months. --TJ

Once again Jesse, you have shown the world what you are really about. Imagine what you and your coalition would be doing right now had the comment been made by a white person. Jesse, the N word is, and has been inappropriate for ALL people. Just a few years ago you were caught having an affair and lying about it, now you get caught using the N word, after leading the charge to stop the usage of the word.... and you still refer to yourself as a Reverend. It's difficult to understand why any group would want to be represented or even associated with someone who behaves in this manner. Jesse, shame on you....again. --Jimmy

No, he should not have used that word. As I tell my students when I give them a detention for using that word, when anyone can use that word without offending someone then it can be used. When I ask the students what their parents say about the word most tell me the parents don't care, but when I ask about their grandparents or their great-grandparents they emphatically tell me they are not allowed to use that word. What we are seeing again is the breakdown of standards we as as adults set and Rev. Jackson with all of his rhetoric should be a role model not someone who sends mixed messages. --Margaret

Rev. Jesse Jackson would be the first to condem a non-black for using the "N" word. If he doesn't get condemed for what he publicly claims is so offensive, then no-one else should be condemed either. Many blacks call each other by the N word and it is OK in their circles. But if a non-black calls a black by the N word, they want them crucified......
and this goes on all the time. What's right for one, can't be wrong for another just because of the color barrier.... after all, isn't that what started the civil rights movement in the first place?  --William Jones

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